Our Building Approach

May 28

Backyard ADUs for Transitional Housing

We are building timber frame tiny homes and placing them in the backyards of single family homes to serve as transitional housing (+ support services). In many cities, these ‘tiny homes’ are permitted as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). They sit on a foundation and must meet local zoning and building requirements.

How tiny?

Our first model is 24’ X 16’ with a loft and a large wrap-around deck. The 450’+ of interior space is designed to accomodate a small family.

What is timber framing and why use it for a backyard ADU?

Timber framing is a distinctive style of building construction in which heavy timbers frame the structure instead of more slender dimensional lumber (for example, 2 x 6-in.). Timber framing was a building practice used throughout the world until roughly 1900 when the demand for cheap, fast housing brought dimensional lumber to the construction forefront. In the 1970s, craftsman revived the timber framing tradition in the United States and have ushered the design style into the modern era.

One of the most defining elements of a timber frame is its unique joinery. Heavy timber is joined together via mortises and tenons, then secured with wooden pegs.

We like timber framing for its beauty and the opportunity to promote (& teach) good craftmanship. Of course, like any affordable housing initiative, cost and speed must be considered along with the high value we are placing on beauty and craftsmanship. All joinery will not be traditional and building supply costs will influence construction decisions. Our hope is to develop a scalable process that holds these values in a healthy tension over the course of our first few homes.